Hearing Health Information

Hearing loss and quality of life

Hearing loss is not a terminal condition and it happens gradually so people tend to be somewhat unaware of how much it is affecting their daily quality of life. Hearing loss makes relationships with friends, family, and co-workers more difficult. The tendency towards misunderstandings and need for constant repetitions is physically and emotionally draining for both the person with hearing loss and those trying to communicate with them. Because communication becomes so difficult over time people put less and less effort into correcting misunderstandings and repeating their words. This leads to isolation and potential depression. Sadly, the isolation combined with a lack of stimulation to the auditory cortex of the brain has been shown to contribute towards dementia and Alzheimers. Fortunately, hearing aids are proven to help dramatically and there is no reason to let hearing loss hold you back; schedule your hearing evaluation with our audiology experts today.

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Hearing loss and your overall health

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your hearing; it affects your whole body. Several life-threatening illnesses have been linked with hearing loss, such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s. While you may be able to live with hearing loss, this choice may put your health at risk. When you combine that risk with the decrease in your quality of life, you have more than enough reasons to get your hearing evaluated. If you’re suffering from hearing loss, schedule a hearing evaluation today. Do it for your body, your mind, and yourself.

Hearing loss in the workplace

Noise exposure is the main cause of hearing loss, and loud workplaces are to blame in many cases. Almost 22-million American workers are exposed to hazardous sound levels while they’re at work. Another 9-million workers are exposed to ototoxic chemicals that cause hearing loss. But it’s possible to protect your hearing and keep your job. Earplugs and hearing protection can help stem the tide of hearing loss. Ask us for more details.

Hearing loss and headphones

Although they offer convenience and pleasure, personal listening devices are quickly becoming one of the leading causes of hearing loss. The “earbud” style headphones are the main culprits, but it appears that many people, especially teenagers and young adults, are listening to music at dangerously high volumes for extended periods of time. The exact toll of this noise exposure will not be known for some years, but it’s important to protect yourself now. By making use of volume limit controls and noise-canceling headphones, you can protect your hearing and still listen to your favorite tunes.

Tinnitus

Have you ever experienced ringing in your ears after going to a concert or fireworks show? What if that sensation never went away? Then you’d be experiencing tinnitus. This condition is described as ringing or noise in the ears or head. The ringing can be constant or occasional. The symptoms of tinnitus can be treated with hearing aids, which work to minimize or eliminate the persistent ringing.

Auditory processing disorders

While hearing loss is usually caused by noise exposure, it can also manifest itself as the result of neurological problems. That’s known as Auditory Processing Disorder or APD. There is no clear-cut definition of APD as of yet, but there are several factors that professionals agree on: the ability to hear is adequate with APD, but there is a neurological defect that makes it difficult to receive, understand, remember, and use auditory information.

Castle Rock Center for Audiology

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